Tourism in Burgundy
Wine tasting weekend in Burgundy at the hotel La Cueillette
Some would say that Burgundy is best understood in a bottle, others that it is best experienced in its vineyards. Either way, Burgundy is, without a doubt, best enjoyed in a glass. Burgundy Franche-Comté, a wine-growing gem in the east of France, is a not-to-be-missed destination for your wine-tasting weekends
Here, red and white are the colours of pleasure, and pinot noir and chardonnay the root to happiness. We drink in two colours, we dream in four. With the inclusion of Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits on the World Heritage List in 2015 as "Climats, terroirs of Burgundy", the region's cultural patrimony shines through as a jewel on the world stage.
A mosaic of climats, exceptional Grand Cru and 1ᵉʳ Cru appellations and sublime villages, Burgundy is a veritable playground of activities. Fancy punctuating your stay at La Cueillette with some oenological discoveries, then why not take your taste buds on a stroll around the estates of Pommard, Volnay, Puligny-Montrachet, Chassagne-Montrachet, Santenay, Bouzeron, Rully and, of course, Meursault?
Just five minutes from Beaune, let your curiosity guide you to the town's famous hospices, and discover the incredible "Cité des Climats et des Vins de Bourgogne" visitor centres. Clos Vougeot, Chambertin, Echezeaux, Corton, Romanée Conti, Chambolle-Musigny: it is said of these prestigious wines that they must be tasted at least once in a lifetime...
The gastronomy of Burgundy: a cornucopia of flavours
Gastronomic by definition, gourmet by nature, Burgundy Franche-Comté is a veritable culinary treasure trove. From snails and parsley ham to poached eggs in red wine sauce, gougères cheese puffs, gingerbread and mustard, Burgundy's gastronomic heritage boasts many mouth-watering attractions.
Looking for something a bit different? Here you can whet your appetite with Bœuf Bourguignon, savour Pôchouse (a traditional freshwater fish stew) and, for the cheese platter, why not choose from one of the region's Protected Designations of Origin, including Macônnais, Langres, Époisses, Chaource, Charolais, or the monumental Comté?
Burgundy Franche-Comté has much to offer, from renowned appellations to small-scale raw milk cheese productions, to be discovered and savoured as you explore the region's many farms.
Nature and culture
In Burgundy, nature and culture live side by side, which is all to the good. Whether you are exploring Burgundy's heritage or recharging your batteries in its forests, rivers and vineyards, the region has something for everyone. When it comes to culture, a visit to the Hospices de Beaune is a must, as are the many châteaux and abbeys that grace the Burgundy landscape. Among these are the Château du Clos Vougeot, the Château de Couches at the gateway to the Morvan, the floating Château de Commarin, and of course the three abbeys of Fontenay, Cîteaux and Cluny.
And if all that leaves you wanting more, don't forget to indulge your curiosity at the Palais des Ducs and the Dijon Museum, as well as the historic theatre in Autun and the Gallo-Roman site of Mont-Beuvray
Nature, on foot or in the saddle! The wine route from Beaune to Santenay, and from Santenay to Nolay, offers a spectacular journey through the climats of Burgundy. Whether on foot, bike, scooter or even horseback, it wends its way from estate to village through a remarkable wine-growing landscape.
And don't forget to take breaks, as there are a host of temptations along the way. The Route of the Grands Crus from Dijon to Santenay, is a cycling itinerary (3 to 5 days) to include in your Burgundy holiday. And if you would rather take it easy, then why not take the Canal du Centre for a boat trip between locks and vineyards in the heart of the Beaune region? From the 4-star Spa Hotel La Cueillette in Meursault, everything is possible.
Meursault, a village that simply oozes charm
On its hilltop, perched between 230 and 360 metres above sea level, the village of Meursault is a haven of picturesque charm and historic beauty. It also offers hillside vineyards that pave the way up to its heights, traditional low stone walls separating the plots of land, together with wine estates, private mansions and beautiful stone buildings that have stood the test of time.
And then there is the 50-metre spire of the 15th-century Cluniac church reaching for the skies, as if in devotion, together with the Château de la Velle, the Château de Meursault, the Château de Cîteaux, the Town Hall and the Leper Hospital, to name but a few. Meursault has a host of treats to offer visitors to Burgundy. And after a day's sightseeing, why not treat yourself to a moment of relaxation at the Fruitithérapie® Spa at La Cueillette?
